What is the World Pet Association? Resources for Dog Groomers
World Pet Association (WPA) is a leading pet industry organization dedicated to uniting the pet community through knowledge, integrity, innovation, and leadership. For decades now, WPA has played a pivotal role in promoting the growth of the pet industry by providing educational programs, fostering collaboration among pet professionals, and advocating for positive change. At The Academy of Pet Careers, we understand the importance of organizations like this, which is why we are proud to have been one of the first dog grooming schools credentialed under the WPA.
What is World Pet Association?
With a mission to seek, share, and inspire a collaborative pet industry, WPA is a global organization dedicated to advancing professional standards, education, and business opportunities for pet professionals. Founded in 1950, WPA stands as the oldest nonprofit in the pet industry.
WPA now serves as a great resource for all pet professionals. However, it used to put a greater emphasis on dog groomers. Through WPA, groomers could find certifications, continuing education, and industry research to elevate their practice. While WPA no longer offers grooming certifications, it's still a wealth of pet industry knowledge that could be helpful to anyone, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a student in one of the Academy of Pet Careers' programs.
How does World Pet Association work?
WPA creates and curates a wide breadth of resources. In order to keep things running smoothly, there must be leadership in place to coordinate activities and support members. WPA has a Board of Directors, which includes six board members, two past chairmen, a secretary, two vice chairmen, and the current chairman. Under the Board of Directors is the professional staff, which consists of 17 members who act as points of contact for WPA.
What does World Pet Association do?
WPA connects the pet industry through shows, thought leadership, and value-added business services. They play four major roles that have transformed the approach to professional development for animal jobs.
Training Programs
WPA offers programs for staff training and store management that cover a range of pet care professions. These programs include:
- Foundational pet care courses covering anatomy, behavior, and health basics
- Specialized skill development for boarding and daycare
- Business management training for pet service entrepreneurs
- Safety and sanitation protocols that exceed industry minimums
- Customer service excellence programs tailored to pet industry needs
Industry Standards
Additionally, WPA has inspired and implemented initiatives to maintain the integrity of the pet industry. This standard development process involves collaborative input from experienced professionals, reviewing and updating as the industry evolves, and implementing support through training materials and business resources. WPA also has the Good Works program, where they have donated more than $15 million towards advocating for animals and pet care professionals alike.
Trade Shows and Conferences
Pet industry trade shows are organized for the purpose of information exchange, product display, education, and communications between pet care professionals. WPA is best known for SuperZoo, an annual pet retail event that features specialized education sessions and the industry's largest pet product marketplace. WPA also organizes Groom'd, a convention featuring workshops, contests, tools, and networking opportunities specifically for pet groomers.
Research Dissemination
Lastly, WPA acts a resource for pet care research. In partnership with NielsenIQ, they curate reports on marketing, sales and commerce, and general pet industry trends. Research areas include:
- Social media and digital content practices
- Client satisfaction surveys and service improvement methodologies
- Consumer search trends and current events
- Sustainability and eco-friendly practices
Professional Grooming Credentials
Today, dog groomers must acquire the Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) through the American Kennel Club (AKC). Previously, pet groomers could receive this certification through WPA. The PGC is the most well-known pet grooming credential, and it is the first international measuring system to test groomers in a standardized exam. This exam evaluates foundational knowledge, safety, and technical skills. While WPA no longer offers this certification, there are other ways for dog groomers to get certified, like the dog grooming certification program offered by The Academy of Pet Careers.
Aside from individual certifications, institutions could get credentials through WPA, too. They deemed The Academy of Pet Careers a Professional Grooming Credentialing Institution, meaning our dog grooming school meets the standards set by WPA for quality education.
Membership Benefits
While dog groomers can benefit greatly from WPA's tools and resources, membership is open to all segments of the pet industry. Dues paid by members grant access to education and involvement in pet industry activities. This includes proprietary business tools, exclusive discounts, new research, an eLearning platform, and more.
Membership costs from $100 to $500 per year depending on your chosen plan. A Groomers Membership costs $100 annually for any current or future dog groomers who want to take advantage of these resources. As WPA adds more tools to propel pet businesses forward, its membership benefits could be also be beneficial for our dog training students, who are often drawn to starting their own businesses.
Key Takeaways for the Pet Community
The World Pet Association continues to provide valuable resources, foster collaboration, and promote growth in the pet industry. Whether you are a pet professional, manufacturer, retailer, or pet owner, engaging with WPA offers numerous benefits. From educational programs to networking opportunities, WPA’s commitment to the pet community will continue to shape positive change in the pet care world. For our pet grooming students, including those who want to start their own grooming businesses, WPA can be a valuable resource for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hope Allen
Hope Allen combines her lifelong passion for animals with her digital marketing expertise. Growing up in a veterinary family, she gained hands-on experience working as an office assistant and sterilization tech at their mobile practice. This foundation, coupled with her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, allows her to bring unique insight to pet-focused content.